The 2026 North Island Rally Series (NIRS) is back in action with the Rally of Waitomo on Sunday, 17 May.
Current Series leaders and 2025 winners, Quentin Palmer and Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo), head a large field that includes rivals Grimmer/Leighton Spurdle (Mazda 323 4WD) and Carlin Leong/Nathan Roa (Subaru Impreza).
“We’re looking forward to it,” said Palmer.
“It’s different roads this year, and it’s been a while since I’ve competed on them. Knowing the region does help a lot.”
Palmer, who won the NIRS 2025 overall title, will be difficult to beat, having already this season been the first NIRS competitor home at the Possum Bourne Memorial Rally in March. He followed this up with a solid third overall in the Otago Rally, the opening round of the 2026 NZ Rally Championship.
In addition to the competition for overall NIRS points, there are eight separate Classes competing for driver and co-driver titles.
Darryl McManus (Toyota Vitz) leads Class A, while Sam Broadbent and Matthew Broadbent (Toyota Corolla FX GT) have started their NIRS title defence, leading Class B (2WD 1301-1600cc) ahead of Andrew Lowe (Toyota AE101).
Class C (1601-2000cc 2WD) is a three-way battle between current leader 16-year-old Khalid Mason and Sara Mason (Ford Fiesta ST150), Steve Dill (Nissan Pulsar) and Dale James (Ford Fiesta ST150).
Mason is one to watch over this season after his impressive form in his debut event at the Possum Bourne Memorial Rally in March. His entry in the Rally of Waitomo has been paid for by the NIRS, as part of their support for up-and-coming young talent, following similar gestures for Zeal Jones and Carlin Leong.
Dave Strong/Rob Scott (Honda Jazz RS) heads Class D (2WD 2000cc and over) from Phillip Broadbent (Toyota Starlet) and Tony Differ/Jayson Stringer in the ex-Herbert 500hp EX Lancer Turbo. Making a return to the Class is Charlie Evans and co-driver Aroha Matangi (Mazda RX7).
In Class E (Classic 2WD), Brent Taylor (Ford Escort Mk2) is leading Kyle Percival (Ford Escort Mk2). There is a strong Class entry for the event, including Craig Tickle (BMW 2002), Nick Flanagan (Peugeot 205), Glenn Cameron (Mazda RX7) and Chris Alexander (Ford Cortina).
Palmer leads Class F from Grimmer, while Carlin Leong (Subaru Impreza) heads Class G (4WD 2001 and over) from Gavin Feast (Subaru Impreza).
Kingsley Jones (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo3) is first in Class I, with Chris Burke/Stephen Taylor (Toyota Celica GT) in second.
Based at Piopio College in the township of Piopio, the event offers competitors two runs over three Special Stages, totalling 80 km, along with 110 km of Touring.
The rally gets underway at 10am with the first car returning to Piopio at 2:30pm.
The 2026 North Island Rally Series acknowledges and thanks these partners for their support: Hawkeswood Mining, Semog, Pure Quality Construction, Paddon Racing Group, iSignit, Ngatea Panelbeaters and Online Contractors.
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
